Justin Foscue: Playing for Something Bigger

By Emma Warren, Student Assistant/Communications

Justin Foscue is well aware of the true meaning of playing for more than the name on his back.

"I remember lining up in Japan right before the game started and the national anthem was playing," Foscue said. "I get goosebumps thinking about it, because you're not just playing for yourself, you're playing for your country."

Foscue and Bulldog teammate, Tanner Allen, were a part of the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team this past summer and traveled together to Japan for the 43rd USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Series.

For Allen and Foscue, this was not the first time the pair spent a summer playing together. The two were also roommates during the previous summer as members of the Amsterdam (N.Y.) Mohawks, but this experience was unlike any they had experienced.

The culture that they endured upon arrival was distinctive. The food was different, the language was different, and the people were different, however, the game of baseball was the same, which was comforting.

Foscue learned a lot about himself during the journey. He connected with his teammates from other universities around the country and gained a deeper appreciation for the sport he loves.

Now, the Huntsville, Alabama, native hopes to bring a new approach to the clubhouse in Starkville this season.

"[With Team USA] It is all about the name on your chest," Foscue said. "I think that's one thing that I can bring to our locker room this year is to play for everybody around you and not just yourself."

Foscue made a huge jump on the field from freshman to sophomore year, and that improvement is still growing as he moves into his third season with the Bulldogs. The maturity in his game comes from doing the right things on and off the field.

While his leadership style is not overly vocal, he brings a hardworking attitude to the table each. day and hopes that will serve as an example for the younger guys in the locker room.

Foscue is one of a small group on the 2020 roster that holds a very special connection. He is one of only seven that have advanced to back-to-back College World Series. Another one of those is his double play partner, shortstop Jordan Westburg.

Foscue and Westburg share a much deeper relationship than most know. This middle infield duo is much more than just two baseball student-athletes playing near one another. Their relationship represents the true meaning of brotherhood.

"Guys like Jordan Westburg are the reason I came to Mississippi State," Foscue said. "Our relationship is kind of an unspoken one. It's something you can't really describe. I think we're both really mature. Freshman year, he was right there with me at third base trying to compete for a starting spot. I think that's what elevated both of our games."

Baseball is something that has come naturally for Foscue and a game he has always loved. Coming into college, he felt prepared for what he was in for, but what he didn't know is the name he would make for himself here, and the impact could have for the name on the front of his uniform.

Mississippi State University Athletics

Justin Foscue: Playing for Something Bigger

Players Mentioned

Tanner Allen

Justin Foscue

Jordan Westburg

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